Airbus SE may need to reduce the top range of its coming A321XLR jetliner, a key selling point for the new narrowbody, as European regulators seek to lessen the fire risk from an extra fuel tank in its rear fuselage, according to people familiar with the matter.
Improvements to fire safety design around the rear center tank are likely to add weight to the XLR and have a minor impact on how far it can fly, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter. Some buyers have been told of potential changes to specifications, they said.
